Michelle: Why isn’t McCain defending Palin from the leakers?
posted at 1:31 pm on November 7, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Only two possible answers: Either he’s consumed with duties related to winding down the campaign and hasn’t found the time yet or he does have the time but is in no rush to debunk the smears, which he could probably do with a five-minute phone call to O’Reilly or Hannity. According to Mark Salter, his immediate post-election plans as of Tuesday night included grilling up a big mess o’ ribs. So there’s our answer, I guess.
The Foxies inexplicably decided to focus this segment on boilerplate about Oprah, so skip ahead to 3:30 if you’re only interested in the leak stuff. Then, after you’re done, watch Cuffy Meigs’s highlight reel of McCain talking about honor and respect. Exit question: How soon before Maverick answers the bell on this one? I’m expecting Monday.
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My middling respect for McCain is dropping faster than Obama’s Dow every minute he stays in the bunker on this.
Thanks for the link, Allah.
Cuffy Meigs on November 7, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Sarah said in an radio interview here that she spoke to McCain…. He told her to ignore the crap that was coming out among aides.
http://www.bobandmark.com/
Palinpuma on November 7, 2008 at 2:02 PM
McCain should do either one of the following two choices:
(1) Admit picking Palin (to appease the base) was the wrong choice. He should have gone with his desire of picking Lieberman, and ran his campaign as true ‘moderate’. ===> Of course this will ensure an even bigger landslide victory for Obama.
(2) Admit he could not run an effective campaign
A bigger man (which showed up at the RNC this year) would have come out admitting his own mistakes in the campaign on Wednesday right away. Defend Palin forecfully, ‘If any one tried to smear her from our side, I will cut all ties and fight you.’
Like it or not, McCain was chosen currently as the Republican standard bearer, and this silence treatment is way beneath him.
Sir Napsalot on November 7, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Well,it looks like Oprah is a stark raving lunitic!
I think she owe’s Tom Cruise an apology for his couch
jumping escaped!!
—————————————
The reason there seems to be a political hit on Sarah
Palin is the Liberals know she is affective and a
threat to their political survival,
but why is McCain allowing this kind of behaviour,and
isn’t sticking up for her is truly perplexing indeed!
canopfor on November 7, 2008 at 2:03 PM
That’s unfair and uncalled for. Megan campaigned hard for her father, and she said publicly that she was thrilled about the Palin pick and that she liked Palin and her kids. She posted a message of support for Bristol on her blog as soon as the pregnancy story broke.
And the “chubby” remark was completely out of line.
Gina on November 7, 2008 at 2:04 PM
John McCain’s lack of a response wouldn’t matter so much if he didn’t spend 75% of his time campaigning on “honor”
Honor means that you don’t throw somebody under the bus after a loss and you don’t allow the people who work for you to do it to anybody on your “team”
The buck stops here and all that
joey24007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:04 PM
That’s not true JOHN MCCAIN HATES ALL CONSERVATIVES and he would never say anything nice to Sarah Palin because JOHN MCCAIN HATES SARAH PALIN!!!!!!/s
wise_man on November 7, 2008 at 2:04 PM
OK one last point.
When McCain picked Palin, he was essentially tied in the polls with Obama.
On election day, McCain lost by 7 points.
No matter how you add it up, Palin did not give McCain any advantage that he did not already have. If anything, Palin’s star power was a distraction taking attention away from McCain’s message and toward the non-vote-getting celebrity power of Palin.
As you know, I am an independent. I would have voted for any Republican – Duncan Hunter, Fred Thompson, Tancredo, Giuliani, any of them– over Obama or Clinton or any of the Democrats. To me this is a crushing defeat. I think conservatism is a badly needed force and by putting all conservative eggs in the Palin basket, you are making a very bad mistake. Branch out. There are lots of other excellent conservatives too like Pence, McCotter, and the list goes on for a long time.
Conservatives are at their best when they consider different ideas. In the wake of the election, those days seem to have passed.
I have given you my honest opinion. Make of it what you will.
Goodbye. Good luck. May God bless America and protect her in her time of need today and in the four years to come.
indythinker on November 7, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Finally, something on which we can agree.
Y-not on November 7, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Three media outlets have the pretty much the same half dozen or so inside stories about Palin in 24 hours and all 3 (who are competitors) just happened to coincidentally make the same shit up? Are you for real? I’m not saying the stories are true, but what appears to be true is McCain people told these reporters these stories.
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Um, there was a little matter of the economy tanking in there somewhere . . .
Gina on November 7, 2008 at 2:06 PM
indy you are a FOOl. Palin gave McCain at least 10 million votes more than he would have had picking anyone else. Also the economy was easily the biggest thing that killed his chances. He handled that so wrong. Sarah didnt do anything wrong this entire campaign.
ousoonerfan15 on November 7, 2008 at 2:07 PM
This is absolutely correct.
Big S on November 7, 2008 at 2:07 PM
“Please, please!”
-McCain, immediately to supporters booing Obama
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:07 PM
That McCain-Palin bumpersticker is still usable, with a little surgery…
Kristopher on November 7, 2008 at 2:07 PM
How are McCain’s daughters relevant? IMHO Megan is great and loves the Palins from what I’ve seen on her blog.
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Christien, he was trying to make his speech and go home. He just lost the election to Obama. The longer the audience booed Obama, the longer that was going to take.
wise_man on November 7, 2008 at 2:08 PM
That’s what astroturfing is. This all could easily be coming from the Obama camp.
Y-not on November 7, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Maybe because she also threatens his future as well, since he’s barely right of left.
AubieJon on November 7, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Good points. Well stated.
dedalus on November 7, 2008 at 2:09 PM
*gaze*
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:09 PM
Any possibility this is Romney Staffers trying to smear her?
dengar007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:09 PM
indythinker on November 7, 2008 at 2:04 PM wrote:
.
Actually, when McCain picked Palin, he was behind 6 points. Two weeks afterwards, he was UP 6 points. A twelve point swing thanks to Palin alone. Think Pawlenty or Romney would have done that? Nope.
Then the economic crisis hit, which caused Obama to surge back.
Sarah Palin is the future, and will easily win in 2012.
Norwegian on November 7, 2008 at 2:09 PM
mccain can suck it. in 4 to 8 years, palin is going to do what he couldn’t – become president.
bilups on November 7, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Gee … I don’t know but I think the economy tanking, the bailout nonsense, the lack of a fight by the GOP to show the democrat’s responsibility for Freddie/Fannie, McCain suspending his campaign and then doing nothing, McCain’s debate performance, the media’s bias in favor of Obama, the end 2 terms for an unpopular President, the rise of Obama as the anti-war candidate and then the lack of media attention on the successes coming from Iraq, the millions of Sept.10 Americans, and all of those drinking the kool-aid of “Hope and Change”
I don’t know but they might have had something to do with it
Also … Palin drew thousands in support of her candidate while her opposite, Plugs, drew 500
joey24007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Which was….. ?
Lehosh on November 7, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Please take your trolling back to the bridge under which you live.
Valiant on November 7, 2008 at 2:12 PM
I have to disagree here. Yes, they were about tied, and all that. That was right after the Dem convention, shortly after the World Tour and Rock Concert, and a few other things, such as the Russia/Georgia situation.
Sarah Palin got us that consider ourselves the ‘base’ fired up, finally, when she walked out on that stage in Ohio. Would I have voted for McCain anyway? No, I would have voted against Obama. There is a difference. (Hell, at one point I might have even considered Hillary OVER Maverick! At least we know that she would probably have been tough as possible in foriegn policy, if only to prove she had the stones)
When the markets tanked (which is another subject, since I don’t get this idea that the entire economy is measured by the movement of the Dow, but I digress) McCain’s numbers started dropping. Without Palin behind him keeping US going, those numbers would have fallen farther and faster, and not recovered to the level they did on Tuesday.
JamesLee on November 7, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Makes me wonder if Obama was not the right choice after all. OH maybe not, seems I remember something about throwing grandma and his pastor under the bus. Doesn’t matter loyalty is not the value of a leader in the USA in 2008.
Wade on November 7, 2008 at 2:12 PM
oh please, remember how mccain said obama was a good and decent man…blahblahblah
but he won’t defend sarah…she’s not a democRAT.
right4life on November 7, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Actually, the stuff about the McCain kids is incredibly unfair. Two of McCain’s sons are in the Marines, including one who spent most of last year in Anbar Province. McCain’s oldest daughter, Meghan, was a great asset to her dad and the campaign and really stood up for the Palin kids on her blog. The youngest girl, Bridget, is still in HS and was quite skittish about the whole campaign because of the ugly rumors in SC 2000.
Illinidiva on November 7, 2008 at 2:13 PM
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:13 PM
The Palin-trashing RINOs only discredit themselves further. The public isn’t buying it. Palin made a connection and spoke to the people directly.
McCain ought to be ashamed of himself for letting this go on. Palin boosted his campaign and has only kind things to say about him. One thing about this election: we were spared four years of Bush III giving Democrats what they want while the Dems and MSM kick him in the teeth every step of the way.
The RINOs don’t learn from their mistakes and have no intention of listening. Next election cycle, give money ONLY to conservative candidates and none to the RINO establishment.
Feedie on November 7, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Maybe Gov. Palin knew that McCain didn’t have snowballs chance in Tucson of winning and used him. Three months ago few people in the lower 48 knew little to nothing about the Governor and now she is a household name. She also knew that energy was going to be a hot topic for the forseeable future. Now she will be taken as real player on the national scene. When the discussion begins now people will pay more attention than they would have when she was an unknown. Some will be critical but many will pay more attention now than they would have previously.
thomasaur on November 7, 2008 at 2:13 PM
O/T Rush is on, about Obama coming after him?
canopfor on November 7, 2008 at 2:14 PM
If and when McCain addresses this publicly, I hope Palin thanks him for his kind words, reminds everyone she’s a tough cookie, and isn’t bothered by the ribbing and grilling.
/
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Hey, that’s funny. You’re a real comedian.
wise_man on November 7, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Palin needs to prove herself.
She can’t depend on McCain anymore. Look at what is said about other politicians (remember Shrum’s book?), and what is happening to her is not so unusual.
If she wants to stand on her own in the future, she needs to do it now.
MayBee on November 7, 2008 at 2:14 PM
lol
beththebaker on November 7, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Don’t confuse indythinker with reality.
McCain lost because of him stopping his campaign on 9/24 and not naming names and pinning this on bad democrat policy.
It’s that simple.
People who blame Palin are just clueless.
lorien1973 on November 7, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Not really. On the day she was picked Obama was up by 4 (look it up on realclearpolitics).
And about a week after she was picked McCain was up 5. In one week, she gave him a double digit bounce.
Then the stock market crash and came and idiots all over the country believed the Obama lies about increased taxes leading to an economic rebound.
angryed on November 7, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Carl Cameron and everybody else said they were from senior McCain aides.
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Fairness doctrine, or? I can’t switch from Prager right now.
beththebaker on November 7, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Ambinder has the thank you email from McCain to supporters. No mention of the smearing, but I wouldn’t really expect there to be in a thank you email like that.
I’m of two minds about McCain standing up for Palin: 1)She’s his teammate, he picked her, and he should stand up and do the honorable thing. and 2)She’s a big girl and can stand up for herself, and it makes her look weaker to have a man defend her when she can defend herself.
In one of the interviews she gave in Alaska she said that they had talked during her layover in Seattle on the way back to Alaska, and that he warned her that backbiting happens in losing national campaigns. Maybe she told him to let her handle it herself (she surely knew it was coming given all the leaks before the campaign ended).
meltenn on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Did Joe Biden give Obama a double digit bounce? No. It was the convention. Same with Palin. A myth has developed in which Palin is the sole cause of McCain’s convention bounce. It’s not true.
Big S on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Even with the latest poll showing she had 91% approval ratings from Republicans, and what was McCains approval rating (about 60%?).
So you are saying that 91% approval rating did not help?
McCain was not embraced by the conservatives, until Palin was selected…that was a big edge. And seeing as a middle of the roader Republican has never been elected, that adds up to a big bonus. The only Republicans elected, were the ones who ran as a conservative (they may not have stayed there, but that is how they ran).
It is crazy to think, with all the facts, that Palin did not carry McCain to the election.
BTW, Obama’s camp has admitted that Palin knocked them for a loop, they were shocked by their internal polls that showed how popular they were. They shifted their campaign to focus on taking Palin down, they knew McCain was not a threat…and by your post and others, they did their job, you bought into it (they didn’t, but you did).
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Sarah the Governor
StG
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM
So what do you think of the radio interview with Palin that Palinpuma posted?
wise_man on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Gretchen is such a tool. “Women are easier targets”? Victim much, hon?
Palin’s the scapegoat because none of those spineless bastards can simply accept that they, themselves are the people responsible for McCain’s garbled non-message of “I’m not him”. The very fact that thousands showed up for Palin at rallies, and the halls were damn near empty at McCain rallies should say something.
Nonetheless, the economy sucking certainly didn’t help McCain, but neither did his economic plan nor his hair brained stunt of calling for Obama to not campaign while the stimulus package was being formulated. McCain couldn’t talk about how well the tax breaks helped the economy last time because that fool joined with dems to oppose them.
I think we should simply accept that the dems version of operation chaos, having dems vote for the GOP candidate, is what did this election in.
The GOP needs to opt out of primaries and focus on party only caucuses.
bloghooligan on November 7, 2008 at 2:18 PM
That’s the kind of logic that libs use all the time! The nomination of Palin and the election didn’t happen in a vacuum–hello? It’s exactly “thinking” like this that got us Carter, and now NObama.
Napolean on November 7, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Or McCain is exhausted after taking a year of vicious media bashing from all sides, and he hasn’t turned on Fox News or read the latest issue of Newsweek since Tuesday morning. He’s 72, for godssake, and he’s spent most of those 72 years serving his country. Give him a break.
Nothing he says is going to be good enough, anyway. Let him take a week off from politics. Fox is pushing these stories, based on anonymous sources, but somehow this is all John McCain’s fault. Have they even asked him for a comment? I don’t remember reading anywhere the words, “Reached at his Sedona ranch, John McCain declined to comment.”
Outside of the newly en-bunkered conservative community, the Palin rumors barely register on the public awareness. If you’re going to crash McCain’s recuperation, at least make it something important.
RightOFLeft on November 7, 2008 at 2:19 PM
I repeat…a 91% approval rating from Republicans, practically unheard of…91%.
If you can’t see the actual number and compute, then you are just relying on your gut, and not facts.
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Then, explain please, the ratings… Republicans had more viewers than Apollo at the temple. I’ll answer: Sarah. That was the bounce!
beththebaker on November 7, 2008 at 2:20 PM
McCain’s bounce was due to Palin and her homerun convention speech… Plain and simple. It sure wasn’t due to his stale, overlong convention speech.
Obama’s bounce was due to Hillary and Bill Clinton’s convention speeches.
Illinidiva on November 7, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Agreed. Palin= Bounce
Economy= Death
beththebaker on November 7, 2008 at 2:23 PM
It will be President Sarah Palin, the Iron Lady from the North. After Jimmy Carter 2….we may get our Maggie Thatcher/Ronald Reagan 2.
yet…:)
dec5 on November 7, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Yes, these guys have fallen for the democrat talking points, hook, line, and sinker.
This is who the liberals target, easy marks, that can’t use facts…it is amazing, but less so as I read what effect the MSM does have on the psyche…they say they aren’t swayed, then regurgitate their talking points.
Sad, so sad…just look at Palin’s campaign stops, they rivaled Obama’s in numbers and excitement. You can see it with your own eyes, but the MSM painted a different picture, and it worked it’s “magic”.
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Give me a break. McCain wanted to be president and always told us his age didn’t matter. So now he needs a break? He’s too busy to make one fucking phone call? You think Obama is taking a break right now?
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:25 PM
But the big bounce came from the economy…and McCain’s lame attempt at “suspending” his campaign, hello, multi-task?
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Big S on November 7, 2008 at 2:17 PM wrote:
Actually, Obama’s convention bounce was minimal. He was up 3 points before it started and 6 points afterwards. McCain however, was down 6 points before and then up 5-6 afterwards. That is a bounce 4x bigger than Obamas. Given that the GOP convention was a mess due to the hurricane, what made the difference? Sarah Palin.
Norwegian on November 7, 2008 at 2:26 PM
The reports is he had a large BBQ rib cookout with a bunch of his close friends in AZ…party on.
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:26 PM
Palin certainly got the base going but she put off independents who determine election results and many senior Republicans who wanted a more serious and well informed running mate.
The bounce was due to her magnetic and engaging personality and enthusiasm. She was a very attractive unknown who burst onto the convention. The bounce didn’t last because she wilted under reasonable questioning.
I am sure Palin will have a future role with the party but I don’t think she has what it takes to lead the party out of the wilderness.
lexhamfox on November 7, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Where there’s smoke, there’s
fireribs./Mmmmmmm, riiiiiibsss, aaaaagggghhhh
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:27 PM
So McCain isn’t resting and taking a nap. He’s sending out letters to donors.
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Has the VP pick on the losing Presidential ticket ever gone further in national politics?
Here are some of them:
John Edwards, Joe Lieberman, Jack Kemp, Dan Quayle, Lloyd Bentsen, Geraldine Ferraro, Sargent Shriver, Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., Ed Muskie.
Once their side lost did we ever see any of the losing VPs become the party choice to run for President? Nope. It does not happen.
Palin is in the same category – losing VP candidate on a losing Presidential ticket.
It is doubtful we will ever see Palin again on the national stage…except at some GOP fundraisers.
albill on November 7, 2008 at 2:28 PM
The facts are indisputable, without Palin, McCain had no chance, none at all…but these posters have fallen for the Obama campaign line, I can see how he won if supposedly Republicans agreed with him, it shows the MSM can convince weak minded people.
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Look at the RCP poll average graph. McCain/Palin was leading (much thanks to Palin) UNTIL the economic crisis hit. The surge Obama experienced after the economic crisis had nothing do with Palin.
Norwegian on November 7, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Obama didn’t get a double digit swing after his convention. He went from being up 3-4 to being up 6-7. McCain went from being down 4-5 to being up 5-6.
The entire story of the campaign changed literally overnight. There were people even talking about Dems losing the House on McCain’s coat tails. And it all happened because of her.
Unless you think his incredibly boring acceptance speech did.
angryed on November 7, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Yes… McCain personally emailed all his supporters… Eyes rolled. A low level campaign aide put together a form email.
Illinidiva on November 7, 2008 at 2:31 PM
I thought McCain was supposed to get the independents? … I thought were nominated him for that reason
joey24007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Good point. Though FDR did lose as a VP candidate, but it took him 12 years before he subsequently won the Presidency.
dedalus on November 7, 2008 at 2:32 PM
I’m really trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but… yeah.
Jim Treacher on November 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
I really like how Schmidt waited until the towel story was up on every gossip magazine and reported in every show before he denied it to Greta. I mean, it was first reported in Newsweek (in the highlights from their seven part piece) on the day that this stuff started. Maybe he’s been catching up on sleep for the last couple of days, but he sure took his time denying it. I notice he didn’t deny any of the other stuff, which makes me suspicious, but I guess he had to either confirm or deny the towel story since he and Salter were named as the aides in the room.
meltenn on November 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Between 2 and 4 times, depending on how you count.
It has happened only once on a dual ticket, in the format you are familiar with today.
And the same odds for the VP of a winning ticket.
All from Wiki Answers.
right2bright on November 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
The bounce didn’t last because the economy nearly collapsed in mid-September.
Illinidiva on November 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
Palin may not have won the election for McCain, but she sure didn’t lose it for him. The exit polls bear that out. The dagger in the McCain campaign was the financial crisis and McCain’s response to it. He blew it big time.
There were other less serious mistakes – poor attack strategy, lack of a coherent message, how Palin was managed, etc. In a closer election, they might have been the difference. This wasn’t that close and it was in large part the economy and George Bush.
SAZMD on November 7, 2008 at 2:33 PM
People still don’t understand that Palin was not treated like a typical VP candidate
the people you cited were typical VP candidates like Plugs.. they went around the country getting crowds in the low 100s while Palin here was drawing LARGE crowds
It would take a complete lack of historical knowledge to compare Sarah Palin the VP candidate to Jack Kemp the VP candidate
joey24007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:34 PM
Analyzing a huge national election is always a tricky affair, as much sorcery as science, but the data point that jumps out at me is the tremendous loss of Bush voters McCain experienced. Ed wrote about this recently. You can find good election maps at cnn.com and foxnews.com. The Fox map lets you review previous elections, too. You’ll see that the total number of votes this election was actually slightly smaller than 2004. Obama got about 3.5% more votes than Bush 2004, a modest increase which (to take nothing away from the undeniable enthusiasm of Obama voters) can be partially attributed to the increasing size of the voting population, including the many dead and nonexistent people who were moved to vote in this election.
McCain lost enough Bush voters to make up all but 1 or 2 points of Obama’s lead, and of course, we all know from 2000 and 2004 that it matters a great deal where those lost voters would have voted.
It seems to follow that generating enthusiasm among the Republican base is a valuable skill, and Palin undeniably has that ability. One should never forget the important difference between the Democrat and Republican bases: the Democrat base shows up and votes as ordered by its leaders, but sizable chunks of the Republican base will just stay home, if they aren’t motivated to support their candidate. Remember, also, that Republican voters have to climb uphill through a blizzard of media and pop-culture pressure to vote. They must be inspired to make that climb.
Did Palin cost enough independent voters to offset her advantage in motivating the base? I think that case would be difficult to make in this election, and at any rate, 2012 is another day. The task before her is learning to appeal to the independents, without betraying the base. Everything I saw this election suggests she can learn those skills. Do you suppose four years of Obama will make independent voters more, or less, willing to listen to her?
It’s a little early in the game to declare the conservative mind utterly closed, Indy. We’ve had a rough couple of days, and a lot of us had to swallow some bile to vote for McCain. Don’t be too surprised to see the bile coming out very forcefully for a week or two. This board is one of the best arenas in which to air your ideas. You can get bruised in here, because like all the best arenas, it has some rough edges… but if you believe in what you’re saying, this is exactly the crowd you need to be addressing. Neither an independent thinker, nor a thinker from Indiana, should give up so easily.
Doctor Zero on November 7, 2008 at 2:35 PM
albill on November 7, 2008 at 2:28 PM:
Wrong again. Nixon (Ike’s VP) lost in ‘60 and came back to win two terms as president.
I would also point out that historical precedents have little to do with the future. Look at Missouri as the electoral prediction state, governor vs. senator on ticket winning national elections, etc.
A historical precedent is only valid until it is not.
Norwegian on November 7, 2008 at 2:35 PM
I guess there is one more possibility — Palin herself may have asked McCain not to step in. There’s really no political benefit to her to continue her association with him, after all. He’s not in a position to deliver any political connections to her — not that she’s out there, she can make her own national connections. And, since she is anti-pork, he can’t even really use his Senate seat to help send goodies her way.
I think she will stay cordial with McCain, but mostly to maintain a good relationship with Cindy McCain, who could easily help support her next national campaign with her considerable wealth.
Y-not on November 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM
McCain wasn’t “tied” with Obama before the selection of Gov. Palin – he was behind by 3 -5 points.
AFTER the selection of Gov. Palin he LEAD by 1 – 3 points.
Anyone saying Gov. Palin “cost” McCain the election is either a complete DOLT or a liberal hacking at the roots of Gov. Palin’s 2012 presidential run.
Oh…
…yes, McCain should have ALREADY silenced his “aids.”
Then again, he never really rode to her rescue DURING the election, why should he start now? /sarc
Religious_Zealot on November 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM
How many of these people returned to be the head executive of a state government?
joey24007 on November 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Obama is The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers
dinkyjackson on November 7, 2008 at 2:37 PM
I think the venom being spewed towards this woman by unnamed Republicans and their lackeys in the MSM tells a very different story: The powers-that-be recognize this woman’s potential, and they are terrified. If they were not, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to destroy her now.
AZCoyote on November 7, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Over My Head (Ray Davies)
Wakin’ up, feeling rough
Totally stressed
Every day is a day at a time
Step by step
Hit a wall, took a fall
To a new depth
Count to ten, focus then
Take a deep breath
In a world that is close to breakin’
I thought that you were my friend
In a world that is full of hatin’
And about to descend
I just smile and pretend
I’m a million miles away from it all
And let it go right over my head
Let ‘em chase and the winner take all
And let it go right over my head
Over my head, yeah
Over my head
Over my head
Everywhere, everyone
Questioning me
Are you ill? Are you well?
Do you like being free?
Didn’t know you were close to breaking
So you thought it should end
Left it all for a new location
So you could start up again
So keep keep smilin’ till then
Right now I want some peace of mind
So let it go right over my head
Just want to give myself a little more time
And every single word that you said
Went over my head, yeah
Over my head
Over my head
Little girl I was so mistaken
Thought that you were my friend
In a world that is full of hatin’
I’m about to descend
Didn’t know you were close to breakin’
So you thought it should end
Left it all for a new location
So you could start up again
So keep smilin’ till then
I’m a million miles away from it all
And let it go right over my head
Let ‘em chase and the winner take all
And let it go right over my head
Right now I want some peace of mind
So let it go right over my head
Just want to give myself a little more time
And every single word that you said
Went over my head, yeah
Over my head
Over my head
Close the door, let me please
Get to my bed
I wanna take stock, see my life
In perspective
Tomorrow I’ll be back in the race, till then
Live and let live
So let all the anger pass me by
Over my head
Over my head
Over my head
Christien on November 7, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Obama won, why would he need a break? These rumors are beneath McCain’s dignity, anyway. Seriously, ask anybody who isn’t a hardcore political junkie and they’ve never heard of these stories. Who freaking cares? “Unnamed sources say something bad about someone.” Whoop-de-freaking-doo. The copy boy overheard Palin stumble on African geography and called Fox News, who breathlessly reports it without first looking for a shred of confirmation. Again, this is John McCain’s fault how? It’s Fox’s story, let them do the reporting. If this were the NYT you guys would see that. Heck, if it were the NYT McCain probably would have said something, because (whether you like it or not) the NYT times has credibility. Fox is the network equivalent of Hard Copy.
RightOFLeft on November 7, 2008 at 2:39 PM
I scoff at Oprah’s tee shirt. “Hope Won”. Puh-leeeeze!
The word hope has taken on a whole new meaning for me now. Hope is for people who sit around and wait for great things to happen, or for people who wait to be rescued when in bad situations.
I have stricken the word hope from my vocabulary. And I’ve taught my small children to do the same. If you want something to happen, you get off your ass and get it done. You don’t wait.
I stay away from using the word change too.
ErinF on November 7, 2008 at 2:39 PM
I hate to be the one to say it after working so hard for McCain even though he was my third choice for nominee, but let’s keep this real, so here goes:
McCain has a history of throwing fellow conservatives under the bus…maybe Palin is just one more conservative he’s not going to stand up for.
I really believed, and kind of do still believe, that McCain is a man of honor, but this is making me…reconsider. But then my favorite class was evidence, so I only consider what I see/hear/feel/touch/smell and relevant inferences that logically emanate from the tangible evidence. McCain needs to come bolster up his honor/valor/courage quotient for me on this issue.
JustTruth101 on November 7, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Testing…my post has disappeared.
Christine on November 7, 2008 at 2:40 PM
dinkyjackson,
POST OF THE DAY!!!!
thomasaur on November 7, 2008 at 2:41 PM
I keep thinking Secretary of Energy would be a perfect position for her.
ErinF on November 7, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Anyone who doesn’t think that this election was in bag for Bambam from the beginning, think again. (Please pardon my conspiracy theory inkling coming out…)
First, lets take the Dems. They are running a Black Man?!? With the name of HUSSEIN?!? Against Madam Clinton. And as it turns out, the Dem acceptance speech just happens to be on the anniversary of MLK’s speech. Yep, Obama was destined to win. And who ever thought a Clinton would just roll over and play dead. NO ONE. Plus when you take in all of Bambam’s baggage (Michelle and her vile contempt for America, his Pastor problems, the fact that the 3rd world wanted him, etc), it is VERY hard to believe that any true American would want this man to lead the Country.
Now for the Cons. McCain. Are you kidding me? He is NOT a Conservative. It really didn’t seem that any Republican actually wanted this man to be the front runner. (I was hoping for Fred personally). So just how the hell is it that he, of all people, actually won? Could it be, that the powers that be, knew they were going to lose, so why not run the most MODERATE candidate that no true conservative could ever support? Hmmmm. As for Sarah, I was rooting for her to be picked as VP as early as June. SHE is a formidable lady. I think the reason for her pick, was to introduce her to masses. True Conservatives love her. There is now 4 years to groom this wonderful lady for the takeover in 2012. She will be back!!! The more she is put down, the stronger she is defended.
I tell ya, there is method to the madness. Bambam will mess America up in ways that cannot be imagined (a la Carter) and the Country will be SCREAMING for a real Conservative to come on in and clean it all up.
Just saying…
pcbedamned on November 7, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Palin = Bounce
Charlie Gibson = Collapse
marklmail on November 7, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Unfortunately Senator McCain is confirming why I had the uneasy feeling about him for years as a leader, either in the Senate or as a potential President.
In my eyes, McCain is simply living up to (or actually reaching down to) the expectations I had of him through his silence on this issue. I believe he’s now trying to position himself to be a vital part of the Senate to recover some face at the end of his career by not putting a stop to these rumors. In the process though, he’s only looking wishy-washy and appearing to be the moderate he is and always has been..which is what lost him much of the conservative base vote in the election.
While I was not glad when McCain won the Republican nomination, I voted for McCain/Palin and I would again. They were the best choice by far of what was offered for our country’s future.
I still have lost any respect I might have had left for someone that came so close to the Presidency and would have been responsible for standing up for our country or standing up to other world leaders in our best interest..that now will not speak up for someone he put in the spotlight and that gave him new life in an otherwise shakey campaign.
In this case, silence is not golden..it’s deafening and very telling.
SassyDarlin on November 7, 2008 at 2:42 PM
It wasn’t the “copy boy” it was senior McCain aides according to Fox and the New York Times also received similar leaks.
CanadianGuy on November 7, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Nobody can prove that McCain wouldn’t have gotten a bounce no matter which VP he picked at the Convention. I’m pretty sure Tim Pawlenty wouldn’t have needed to go on lameass Katie Couric interviews to get his point across.
Speedwagon82 on November 7, 2008 at 2:45 PM
For those of you following the McCain’s idiot phone guy vs. pissed donors saga, Ace has a new tidbit up.
meltenn on November 7, 2008 at 2:48 PM
@ right2bright – interesting, but 3 of 4 you note were from the early 1800s and it was a different system and different world back then, than now. And FDR had to slog it out for 12 years before he became the nominee.
In 12 years Palin will be 56 – what national, highly visible political job(s) will she have between then and now? Her best bet is to try to become the next Senator from Alaska. Can she appoint herself if Senator Stevens is ousted by the next Congress?
Governor Palin is a bright person, but the current “political system” is against her – no modern history, losing VP-candidate (since FDR won in 1933) has ever gone on to become a future Presidential candidate for their party.
(And the press is already starting to do its best to smear her totally so that she does not come back in 2012.)
albill on November 7, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Erin, couldn’t agree with you more. Oprah drives me crazy. She and other celebrities and of course the media, are over the top with their push for all races to get caught up in the black experience. I will never understand how those in the ivory tower think that the guilt America should feel trumps the logic of picking the best president for this country. I suppose the black experience is going to be a part of the message coming from the media everyday from here on out and will be the root for all reporting. I guess it doesn’t matter if those of us who are respectful of Afican Americans, don’t discriminate, and treat them as our neighbors will not be enough. We are going to have to join in the experience otherwise, we may be called racists.
sherry on November 7, 2008 at 2:50 PM
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